Web Feature Releases

North Dakota School District Takes on Take One!

September 22, 2008

New Town School District on the Fort Berthold Reservation in western North Dakota is the first district in the nation where each certified teacher and administrator is receiving the new National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Take One! program.

The introductory class, taught in August by National Board Certified Teacher Linda Barrington of Wisconsin with the assistance of LeAnn Nelson, North Dakota director of professional development, had over 70 participants. New Town Superintendent Marc Bluestone had attended a national conference, heard about Take One! and decided it would be excellent professional development opportunity for his staff.

Take One! allows teachers to “sample” National Board Certification---not only to improve their teaching practices within their classrooms and schools but also to begin the path toward National Board Certification. It provides a standards-based approach to improving teaching practice and links student learning to effective instruction. The process supports the growing movement toward a fundamental shift in how schools and districts approach instructional leadership using learning communities---especially in high-need schools.

Teachers prepare and submit one pre-selected video portfolio entry from any of the current 25 certificate areas of National Board Certification. A teacher can later transfer the score if he or she pursues National Board candidacy within two years.

“It’s all about improving instruction,” said Bluestone. “In order to have a great school you need great teachers; and Take One! is high quality professional development.”

After requesting all his staff participate in Take One!, Bluestone said he and his principal also decided to take part.

“You have to walk hand in hand with your staff,” he said.  "We’re all here to educate kids…it’s our number one goal.”

For more information on Take One! Visit the NBPTS Web site or call 1-800-22TEACH.

This story was contributed by NDEA Communications Specialist Linda Harsche